Warning - there is a lot of content in Scott’s statement which could cause upset - particularly themes of abuse.
I’m not a fan of Neurosis - I’m well aware of their work and am a fan of certain albums of similar artists, but they’re a massive name in metal and this has come as a bit of a shock. Neurosis are a very highly regarded band and chances are if you’re into metal you’ll know them.
I felt it appropriate to share here as there must be fans of post/doom/sludge/avant-garde metal on the forum.
What interests me is how the legacy of an artist can be forever tainted by the actions of a band member, especially a front man.
I love Neurosis. Sadly never seen them live but saw Scott do a small acoustic show which was great. That entire statement and retirement comes as a shock.
I think the question I have is this - if you do have a problem (or multiple problems as this case seems to suggest) which makes you act like an absolute jerk to the people who love you, and if you are a famous person, is this kind of statement setting a good example? Is there adequate ownership of your actions?
I find this day and age of statements on Facebook quite bizarre if I’m honest. I appreciate ownership of issues but feel that Facebook is a bit of a lame way to issue such a thing. Though this may be my negative bias speaking, as I’m not particularly fond of social media in general. And I appreciate that many fans will be following his Facebook, and as they’re the intended audience, there’s no harm.
“Stop harassing my (ex)wife, she’s being honest about what a scumbag I am” seems like the one unambiguously good thing to come out of this letter.
Otherwise, talk is cheap, and even “doing the right thing” from here on out doesn’t undo years of abuse. I hope he does all the things he promises; the world would be a better place if he actually changes. But regardless, I’m done with him and his music.
I’m not sure about California law in particular, but some of the things Kelly has confessed to require his wife to press charges and might have a statute of limitations depending on how long ago the abuse occurred.
The child abuse is more likely to be investigated, though. And stalking gives his wife a good case for a restraining order
I’ve known two individuals exactly like this. Unfortunately, I don’t believe they can change, and they haven’t to this day. That’s not to be cynical. I just think that it’s in their nature to be that way. The best you can hope for is that everyone else recognizes them for who they are and stays far away so minimal damage occurs.
Neurosis made a couple of pretty much perfect albums in the 90s, and both times that I’ve seen them they have been great. Scott Kelly has always seemed a bit too intense, not surprised he has a dark side. Hopefully his spouse has the sense to leave and give their kids a chance for a life free of abuse.
Not the first nor will he be the last underground musician with issues of abusive behaviour. Sadly the life of an artist draws unstable people, and making a living playing heavy music is a hard path to take.
My sole focus for the rest of my life is on taking care of my family, allowing them safe space to heal and rebuilding their trust. I hope putting this out there will protect my wife from further attacks and finally allow my family some peace."
I can think of one thing that would protect her from further attacks and grant her family some peace, considering the rest of what he said he did to them.
A small subset of metal fans can definitely be creepy but the framing is sus as hell considering all the rest he’s done.
One last deflection of responsibility and grandstanding as big man “Family Protector”.
And from the band’s perspective…
We did not share this information out of respect for his wife’s direct request for privacy, and to honor the family’s wish not to let their experience become gossip in a music magazine.
Gee, turns out he gossiped and put his former partner in the spotlight without her consent.
Maybe Kelly was looking to get some stochastic harassment going, considering.
This is where I have to plead ignorance as I have (thankfully) not had to deal with a manipulative abuser like Kelly, but it unfortunately sounds plausible